Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer
SMOOTHABILITY powers home clear of PRINCE TERRON in yesterday's Frankie Frazer Memorial Cup feature over 1300 metres, which marked its 50th anniversary.

Orville Clarke, Freelance Writer

SMOOTHABILITY, RUNNING at odds of 5-1 with apprentice Javour Simpson riding for owner/trainer Anthony Ferguson, went wire to wire in the 50th anniversary of the Frankie Frazer Memorial Cup feature over 1300 metres at Caymanas Park yesterday.

The race, confined to overnight allowance horses, is run annually in memory of one of Jamaica's most beloved jockeys, Frankie Frazer, who died in a fall from his mount, SHORT SHADOW, in the fifth race at Knutsford Park on November 20, 1956 (Constitution Day), at age 20.

Only one other jockey, Al Gopie, has died in a riding accident since. Gopie was killed in a spill from his mount, SAGAR, at Caymanas Park on the exact date 43 years later - November 20, 1999.

SMOOTHABILITY, a lightly-raced American three-year-old bay filly, led on the outside of the field, ahead of the 4-5 favourite MUCHO GUSTO racing along the rails under title-chasing jockey Shane Ellis, closely followed by 2-1 chance PRINCE TERRON with five-time champion jockey Trevor Simpson aboard.

Kept on well

After turning for home a clear leader, SMOOTHABILITY kept on well from below the distance to win by the diminishing margin of 1 3/4 lengths from PRINCE TERRON with MUCHO GUSTO another 2 1./2 lengths away third in a field of nine.

By Smooth Jazz out of Quick Wink, SMOOTHABILITY has now won three races from five career starts.

Trainer Ferguson said she recovered nicely from a stone squeeze which caused her to miss her past two races.

"I had her in very good nick for this race and knew these horses couldn't stop her today," Ferguson said.

"I instructed the jockey to go easy on the lead and quicken the pace whenever Prince Terron or Mucho Gusto came close ... he rode a good race," said the trainer.

Ferguson went on to point out that SMOOTHABILITY was bought at the Ocala sales in Florida as a two-year-old last season.

"Her father is a champion and she is shaping up to be a champion herself," he declared.

Scrambled home by a nose

Javour Simpson had a second winner on the card in 5-2 chance RIO INFINITO, who scrambled home by a nose from another 5-2 chance, OUTFITHER, in Division I of the Master Blaster Trophy over the straight five course.

Significantly, RIO INFINITO, a 4-y-o filly by Al's River Cat out of Infinity, is trained by Gary Subratie for Minister Without Portfolio in the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, Don Wehby, who was present at the track to lead in his charge. Wehby was accompanied by his father, Don Wehby Sr, and son, Nicholas.

Division II of the Master Blaster Trophy was won by THE BEST MAN (2-1) with Trevor Simpson riding for New Blue and trainer Dwight Chen.

All in all, the Simpsons had a good day in the saddle. Trevor and Javour rode two each, while apprentice Jason won the Dr. David 'Jack' Radix Memorial Cup aboard 6-1 chance JAGMAR.

Champion and leading jockey Omar Walker experienced a frustrating day as he failed to ride a winner from seven attempts. He is no longer eligible to a 2kg apprentice claiming allowance.